Start Here First!

This overview will help you understand what you can expect when
you apply to the University at Buffalo. We understand that applying
to an overseas university can be challenging, so use this page to
navigate the entire application process and find links to detailed
information about each step.

Applying to UB

Your application

You can apply using any of these methods, but only choose one!
Carefully follow the instructions on the application that you
choose, and then your information will be sent to the Office of
International Admissions.

Freshman or Transfer?

UB has specific criteria that determine whether you are a transfer or freshman applicant. Confirm your applicant status by checking out the glossary.

TIMELINE

UB International Undergraduate Student Application: A confirmation email will be sent within one weekafter you submit your application.

SUNY Application or the Common Application: A confirmation email will be sent 2-4 weeksafter you submit your application.

SMART supplemental form

After you submit one of the above applications, you will be
given access to our online Supplemental Self-Managed Application
Reporting Tool (SMART) form. This form is where you will upload and
submit all your other documents required for admission to UB.

Get SMART, go paperless

Do not send any documents to us in the mail! You will submit them all electronically in the online SMART form.

Stay organized

Collect and scan all the necessary documents as early in the application process as possible, even before you apply. Save them on your computer to use later.

Set up your email preferences to make sure messages from International Admissions don’t go to your junk folder. Check your email often after you have applied.

TIMELINE

There is no deadline for submitting the SMART supplemental form, but your application is not complete until you have completed and submitted SMART online.

Application review

Once you have completed and submitted your SMART form online,
one of our experienced admissions counselors will review your
application. We will review everything you have submitted in SMART
to determine if you will be a good fit here at UB.

TIMELINE

You will receive a decision on your application 10-15 days after submitting your SMART form.

Admissions decision

You will be notified as soon as an admissions decision has been
made. We will send you an email with a link to our Application
Status website where you will find out if you have been admitted to
UB.

After you are accepted

Your acceptance package

Your official admission letter will arrive in the mail shortly.
If you are a transfer student, this packet will also include
information about how many credits will be transferred from your
previous institution.

TIMELINE

We know that you are eager to receive your acceptance packet, but mail delivery can sometimes be slow. That's why our Taking the Next Step: Enrolling at UB brochure can be found online.

Tuition and housing deposits

You have decided that UB is the school for you, so it’s
time to reserve your place here by paying your tuition deposit.

If you are planning to live on campus, this is also the time to
reserve your room by paying the housing deposit.

Conditional Bridge Admission

Orientation registration

Now that you have reserved your place at UB as well as your room
in the residence halls, it’s time to register for
International Student Orientation. This is where you will register
for classes and learn about your new home, the campuses of UB and
the Buffalo-Niagara region!

Paying your tuition bill

You will not receive a tuition bill until after you have registered for classes during orientation.

Final document review

Before we issue your I-20, your admissions counselor will do a
final check of all your documents. If we are missing anything from
you, you will receive an email from our office telling you exactly
what we need.

TIMELINE

Your admissions counselor will send you a verification email approximately 2 weeks after you submit the tuition deposit.

Immigration processing

Once you’ve paid your tuition deposit and sent in all the
required documents, we will create your I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019
(J-1 visa).

Moving?

Make sure the Office of International Admissions has your current mailing address. If you have moved since you applied, let us know!

TIMELINE

Immigration documents are sent via express courier to students outside the U.S. We will send you emails throughout the process to let you know when your immigration document is ready, and how you can track the package online.

Welcome to UB!

You have your admission letter in hand. Now is the time to
get your visa, arrange transportation to the U.S., and determine
what you will need while living in Buffalo. We can’t wait to
welcome you to our university community!

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Education USA

The information contained in this web site is provided as a
service to prospective students, applicants, students and the
public. No claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked
to this web site or any associated site is made. Neither the
University at Buffalo nor the Office of International Education
(including the Office of International Admissions) is responsible
for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the
results obtained from the use of this information.